Virtual School
Who is the Virtual School for?
The Virtual School is a local authority service whose role is to support children and young people who are care experienced or those with a social worker in all aspects of their education. Children and young people in Hillingdon’s care receive direct support with their education from early years to 18. The service also provides information and advice to care leavers up to 25 and to parents and professionals working with previously looked after children and those with a social worker up to 18.
The Virtual School Explained
What is the Virtual School?
The Virtual School is not an internet-based school! We are a specialist team of education professionals with expert knowledge and understanding of the needs of care experienced children and young people and those with a social worker. We work closely with carers, social workers, and schools/colleges to ensure these groups of children and young people are well understood by their schools/colleges and have access to the best possible education/training opportunities available. For young people who feel education is not the right path for them, we have a career adviser as part of our team who is able to offer advice on traineeships and apprenticeships.
Where is the Virtual School based?
The Virtual School is based in the Civic Centre in Uxbridge. However, much of our day-to-day work is in schools and colleges, meeting with young people to ensure their education is going as well as possible.
When can the Virtual School offer support?
The Virtual School offers support for children and young people in the care of Hillingdon. Usually, the first meeting with the Virtual School will be at an initial personal education planning (PEP) meeting which is done in person or via video call and will involve the child/young person, their carer/key worker, their social worker, and education provider. The meeting will be a child’s or young person’s opportunity to discuss their aspirations and for the network to plan how to support them to achieve their goals. The level of support varies from person to person, dependent on how much help they feel they need. We can continue to offer support once a young person turns 18 – to help them into university, further their studies or signpost to services that can support with employment opportunities. For children and young people with a social worker, the Virtual School can offer information and advice to professionals working with a child/young person to encourage better progress and attainment at school/college.
Why does the Virtual School exist?
Our Virtual School has three main functions.
Firstly, to help young people in care reach their potential in education.
Secondly, we join up social care, schools/colleges, and carers in helping them understand each other’s roles and how they can best collaborate to help young people in education.
Finally, we promote understanding of young people in care and the challenges they face. The Virtual School is here to give them a voice, so they are better understood in their education setting.
How does the Virtual School support young people?
The Virtual School helps young people in four main ways:
Advocacy – should young people encounter any difficulties, such as attendance, exclusion or accessing their bursary, the Virtual School can speak with you or on your behalf to schools and colleges, so they can better understand your circumstances.
Support – a young person’s Virtual School officer will be available to listen to your concerns about education and other aspects of your life. Our team all work in a trauma informed way and can provide a friendly ear to listen to any concerns.
Guidance and Advice – the Virtual School provides information on local education, training, and apprenticeship opportunities across London and the home counties. We have a careers adviser who can help young people devise a detailed plan for their future, based upon their specific interests and ambitions.
Review and Reflection – For children and young people in the care of Hillingdon, a PEP meeting is held each term to reflect on the child’s or young person’s recent experiences in education and set targets for the next few months. This allows for open discussions on how the education is going, share their views and make detailed plans to improve overall outcomes.